Pocket pain...is my PM moving?

Hello all, been a while since I have been around... that should be a good sign right? Not really, I have a few concerns.. **I have a Boston Scientific Duel Lead PM... Surg. Date::3/12/10** First off, I keep having the thumping periods, where I know my HR is racing... somtimes I crack a joke about how I havent felt this is in so long that its just a new kind of good screy..when actually this makes me short of breath, and have a little chest pain, and REALLY freaks me out. It happens a lot. When I am driving, when I am resting, espl. when I am doing anything that might raise my BP/HR. It sucks. Second:: I have what I call "pocket pain" its like I "know" my PM..the complete feel of it, and the placing of it... and around the edging it hurts.. you know around the ""shape"" of the PM... I know it moves a little, which concerns me a little... but my cardiologist explained it is in a pocket and might move around slightly (because I am bigger breasted there is more movement) BUT this actually hurts, like its hitting all around the pocket and pinches and what not... Im sure ya'll understand....

I just really do not know what to think, is the pinching and stabbinbg pain normal for the little movement that my PM does? Is the thumping and racing & dizziness & shortness of breath normal? Could it be the ""anxiety attacks"" my doc claims it is.. or PVC's... gaw I am so confused.

Thanks guys!
Brooke

5 Comments

Hi Brooke

by 8thID - 2010-09-30 08:09:00

I have a Boston Scientific ICD-3 leads. I'm new to having mine-2 months now. I've always had a history of PVC's, and really got used to them before I had my device implanted. I sometimes get a few hard beats a day--and I immmediately check my pulse to see if my HR is racing. It does seem that my PVC's hit a little harder since I was implanted. So, you may just be getting some hard PVC's. I suggest checking your HR and writing all the info down to take to your Doc. And the device moving around I think is normal--but I don't believe the pain is normal. You may just have to press your medical staff to look at that closer. I wish you the best. Take Care!

Jeff

Hi Brooke

by Pookie - 2010-09-30 09:09:51

Yes, your pacemaker can move. If you feel it has moved out of it's original place request a simple chest Xray and ask your doctor to compare this Xray to the one you had during implant or shortly thereafter.

Mine moved all the way completely into my armpit, but it didn't hurt as it made it's way there. I had to have surgery to reposition it.

As far as the dizziness, your heart thumping and racing, and your shortness of breath....it could easily be anxiety OR it could be your settings are not correct.

If you can....go for a second opinion as I had all the same issue as you and it wasn't anxiety....mine was diagnosed as Junctional Rhythm and a number of other diagnosis.

It's just my opinion, but your doctor doesn't seem to be taking you very seriously.

Good luck,
Pookie

movement

by thecrazyone25702 - 2010-10-06 09:10:46

Don't they sew them in? Mine wont move much. Seems like it did towards when it was new but now it just sticks there. Feels like it's attached now.

Hi

by JoAnn917 - 2010-10-19 09:10:10

Hi Brooke, I'm new here and I've only had my defibrilator for almost 4 months. However, I've had similar symptoms and pain. My cardiologist took my symptoms seriously and put me through a bunch of tests only to rule out everything they thought might be causing them including a pulmonary embolism. I'm now at the point where I feel that I need to accept that the symptoms are being caused by being out of shape and/or anxiety. I'm curious as to whether you have received a second opinion or found another cause. Hope you are feeling better!

All the best,
JoAnn917

Very identical symptoms

by Tgirl1977 - 2014-12-03 11:12:46

My name is Tarsha, and I have the same identical symptoms that you have.I am very top heavy as well. I thought I was the only one going through this. I had my pacemaker installed on December 18th 2013. I was fine a few months after my surgery, but a little after having the surgery I also start feeling all the symptoms that you explained. Before having the surgery I had these same exact symptoms. I contributed it to being overweight and out of shape as well,but later found out that I have complete AV block. I wasn't an athlete before my surgery, but I wasn't a lazy person either. things as simple as cleaning of room in my house make me short of breath. I like to do construction as well, so I think it's due to being out of shape. I don't know what it is or why we are having these symptoms, but I am glad to know now that I am the only one going through this. I am not going crazy and its not all in my mind. I know some people say that your pacemaker shouldn't hurt you or you shouldn't be feeling any pain but everyone's body adjust to things differently. I don't know, I hope you get better and take care.

Tarsha

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